 Washington D.C. is an amazing reflection of the nation it represents. As the capital city of a country which is the biggest "melting pot" in the world, it truly does offer visitors a glimpse of American culture and subcultures at their finest.
Leaders from all over the world convene in this city to discuss business and politics, as well as to socialize. As a result, you can find activities, restaurants, and attractions that not only provide insight and education to those who visit, but also offer a cultural experience unlike any other. Discover a variety of dining options that satisfies tastes across all palates. Where else can you sample Ethiopian cuisine, catch a Washington Nationals baseball game, and walk along the Potomac while the cherry blossoms are in bloom, all in one afternoon?
A major attraction of Washington D.C. is the historical significance of the many buildings, museums, and memorials. Tour the famous Ford's Theater where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Browse exhibits about the Depression era and World War II, as well as view countless American artifacts in the Library of Congress. Experience the view from the Washington Monument and see the Lincoln Memorial in the reflecting pool along the National Mall. Since taxpayer money funds many public attractions, many sites around the capital are free of charge, which helps make planning activities in Washington D.C. affordable. Experience first-hand a city that is full of rich history and a bustling political machine, yet boasts some of the best dining and nightclubs anywhere.Washington, D.C. is truly a city where you can witness the government at work and the world at play.
A Brief History
Washington, DC was originally established by the Constitution of the United States in 1789. George Washington, the nation's first president and figure in which the city was named after, chose the land where the city would originate. The area adjoining the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers was chosen because it was already a bustling port for tobacco and wheat shippers. More importantly, it was an area that was centrally located between the North and the South.
The city was first designed by a man named Pierre-Charles L'Enfant in 1791. He was a French architect who was known for his engineering and city-planning skills. Within his first year of surveying, L'Enfant had some creative differences with some of the government's officials (mainly then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson) about how the city should look. Washington eventually dismissed L'Enfant and handed the duties over to Andrew Ellicott, who basically used L'Enfant's original plan to build Washington, D.C. and it was officially founded in 1800.
The city grew slowly and was even burned by the British in the War of 1812. After the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800's, the city began to grow more rapidly. New settlers began migrating to the city and by 1901 the McMillan Plan, a commission appointed by Congress on the city's centennial to make D.C. more aesthetically appealing, established new height limits for city buildings and allowed for the creation of new federal buildings and monuments in the neoclassical design that is present today. The city's growth then exploded even during the Great Depression and World Wars I and II.
After the desegregation of public schools in the 1950s, many white families began moving to the suburbs, and by 1960, Washington, D.C. became the first city in the country with a predominantly black population. After the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, many middle-class black families began to move to the outskirts, as well. Most of the inner-city residents left were poor and Washington became known as the 'murder capital' of the country by the 1980s.
Fast Facts:
Population: 572,059, according to the 2000 census
Elevation: 0 feet-420 feet above sea level
Land Area: 67 square miles, 420 ft above sea level (highest) and sea level (lowest)
Climate Averages:
Annual Precipitation:
Rain: 40 in.
Snow: 23 in.
Average Annual Temperature:53.8oF
Winter: 45oF/30oF
Summer: 65oF/46oF
Fall: 85oF/67oF
Winter: 68oF/50oF
Top Attractions:
Holocaust Memorial Museum
 This solemn memorial serves as a humbling reminder to all of a dark period of world history. There is no entry fee, but timed-entry tickets are required. See first-hand what it was like for millions of Jews under the control of Hitler in this moving, interactive museum.
Arlington National Cemetery
 View the burial places of more than 285,000 famous politicians and American soldiers from every U.S. war, including the everlasting flame at the site of John F. Kennedy's grave. You can also witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Cost is free.
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
 Simple, yet profound, the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial stands in the Constitution Gardens adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial. The monument is a wall made of polished black granite with the inscriptions of the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died in the Vietnam War. You can view this memorial from 8 am until midnight everyday.
Lincoln Memorial
 At the top of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is one of the best (and most famous) views of Washington, D.C. View Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address on the walls next to a giant sculpture of the seated Great Emancipator. The memorial was also the site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. A small museum about the monument and a gift shop is located below the memorial and is open from 8 am until midnight daily.
Jefferson Memorial
Overlooking the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River and surrounded by the blossoms of cherry trees stands the Jefferson Memorial. Inside a 19-foot statue of the author of the Declaration of Independence humbly stands. One of the most influential of our founding fathers, Jefferson's other notable achievements included the Louisiana Purchase and he founded the University of Virginia. Viewing of this monument is from 8 am until midnight daily.
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Getting There:
Distance From...
New York: 233 mi. 1-hour flight
Los Angeles: 2,308 mi. 5-hour flight
Chicago: 699 mi. 1.75-hour flight
Atlanta: 638 mi. 1.75-hour flight
Denver: 1,600 mi. 3.25-hour flight
Miami: 1,050 mi. 2.50-hour flight
Major airlines servicing D.C. out of Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport, or Baltimore/Washington International Airport include United, American, Delta, Continental as well as several international airlines including British Airways, Air Canada and Australian Airlines.
You can also reach Washington by Amtrak. Amtrak's final destination stops at Union Station, which is walking distance from many convention centers, hotels and attractions.
Here to There:
After flying into Washington D.C., you can choose a few different options from the various airports. From Dulles International, groups can take Washington Flyer Coach Service to the West Falls Church Metro Station for $9.00 per person one way or $16.00 round-trip and is about a 30 minute ride. You can also take the Metrobus to downtown DC. You also have the option of renting vehicles. Most major rental car companies service Dulles including Alamo, Enterprise, Avis and others. Washington Flyer Taxicabs also service the airport. Fares are usually around $50-$60 depending on your destination. They also accept all major credit cards.
From Reagan National airport, your options are mostly the same as Dulles; however, since Reagan is closer to the city, Washington Flyer Coach Service is not available, but you can get service from Greyhound Bus. Taking the Metro, Washington's subway system, is easiest from Reagan because it's so close to the city. Two Amtrak stations are also fairly close to Reagan National. From Baltimore/Washington International, you can take BWI Express Metro bus service directly to the Greenbelt Metro Station.
Once you're in the city, the best way to get around is by using the Metro. Although you can use busses and taxis, the Metro is clean, safe, easy, and affordable. Fares are no more than $4.00 and usually much less than that. It operates on a rail system that's more than 106 miles long, has 86 stations, and serves 3.5 million people more than 1,500 square miles.
Major Area Industries
The #1 industry in the city is the federal government. It provides nearly 27% of D.C.'s jobs. Top government-related businesses include defense and civilian contractors, nonprofit groups, and law and lobbying firms.
Notable corporations headquartered in and around D.C. include America Online, Fannie Mae, and Capital One.
Tee Time:
Washington, D.C. and surrounding communities have a wide selection of golf courses to choose from. Whether you're playing 9 or 18, there are many beautiful courses that will challenge even the most seasoned player. Here's a few of your options when choosing a golf course in the D.C. area:
Area Golf Courses:
Langston Golf Course- Washington, D.C.
Rock Creek Park Golf Course- Washington, D.C.
Bull Run Country Club- Haymarket, VA
East Potomac Park Golf Course- Washington, D.C.
Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club- Leesburg, VA
The Tournament Players Club at Avenel- Potomac, MD
Westfields Golf Club- Clifton, VA
Culinary Scene
Dining options in Washington D.C. are as diverse as the city itself. No matter your tastes or group size, there are hundreds of restaurants to please even the most discerning of palates. Choose from traditional American cuisine, delightful Italian, some of the best seafood on the East Coast, or a combination. For more adventuresome groups, Washington D.C. has countless ethnic and international dishes at dozens of restaurants. Here is a list of those restaurants that stand out.
Two Quail
The eclectic decor of Two Quail Restaurant offers a unique and semi-private dining experience. It has become a favorite of theatergoers both before and after shows and can accommodate groups of up to 100 people.
Old Ebbitt Grill
 Just across from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill serves up classic American cuisine and offers an oyster bar that's lauded by locals and travelers alike. Don't forget to look for the walrus head supposedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt. Can accommodate up to 300.
Sea Catch Restaurant
Housed in the building considered to be the birthplace of the first computer, Sea Catch Restaurant offers plenty of space and a great atmosphere for those who have a taste for seafood. Also offers a great view of the historic C & O Canal. Can seat up to 400.
Tuscana West
The Italian cuisine at Tuscana West is only part of the experience. You can also view live entertainment on their bi-monthly opera nights. Can accommodate up to 700 people.
1789 Restaurant
1789 Restaurant is named after a noteworthy year in the town's history. In that year, Archbishop John Carroll founded Georgetown University; the Constitution of the United States was adopted; and Georgetown was officially incorporated. This restaurant can accommodate up to 125 guests and also has an extensive wine list.
The Washington D.C. area boasts more than 300 restaurants, many of which can accommodate groups of 100+.
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Room Service:
There are more than 100 hotels with more than 24,000 rooms within city limits of Washington, D.C. The average room rate is right around $125-$135, which is slightly more than Chicago's average, but quite a bit less than New York City's average room rate.
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Shopping:
Although Washington, D.C. is not particularly known for its shopping, there are still many stores and shops to satisfy every buyer's tastes. Whether you're in need for clothing or you frequent antique stores, D.C. has it all. Here is a list of places to shop by category.
District of Columbia Area:
Union Station
Eastern Market
Georgetown Flea Market
The Old Post Office Pavilion
Mazza Gallerie
The Shops at Georgetown Park
Malls in Virginia:
Pentagon City
Tyson's Corner
Tyson's Galleria
Antiques & Furniture:
Miss Pixie's Furnishings & Whatnot
Woven History/Silk Road
Apartment zero
Janis Aldridge
Millennium
Urban Essentials
Clothing & Jewelry:
Betsy Fisher
Meeps
Britches of Georgetown
Daisy
Niagara
Up Against the Wall
Arts & Crafts:
Ginza
Bedazzled
The Village
Specialty Shops:
Georgetown Tobacco
Havana Max
simply home
Ultra Violet
(list compiled from Washington , DC Condensed, 1st Edition- May 2002 from Lonely Planet Publications)
Don't Leave Town Without...
One of the most unique things to do while you're in Washington is to visit Gravelly Point Park. It's located just north of Reagan National Airport. There you can watch airplanes take off and land and come within 100 feet of you.
During the airlines busiest times, you can usually see an airplane land every two minutes. On a calm day, you can also hear the plane's vibrations crack across the Potomac River's surface. It's very thrilling when you see an airplane come in for a landing, looking like it's headed right for you!
Click here for a list of receptive tour operators that serve Washington DC - links to
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